The HAP Foundation | Grief workshop at TFD

The HAP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance, direction, and grief support for all ages.

The Grief Workshop, held at The Firehouse Dream with the HAP Foundation, gave community members a safe space to talk about grief, learn about the different stages, and understand the emotions one may be feeling during these stages. Participants shared, reflected, and created memory jars as a way to cope and honor their people and moments in their lives. They also learned that grief can show up in many different ways, and everyone was encouraged to honor their own experiences. One of the Community Health Workers, Kaitlyn Macias, also shared resources, including information about their grief circles to support our community.

Mental Health Kit Giveaway at Proviso West

Our team went to Proviso West High School for another giveaway of the Mental Health Kits! We were able to give away 41 kits to students. We introduced the students to The Firehouse Dream, sharing how the space and the programs are intentional with creativity, healing, and empowerment. Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jessica, connected directly with the students, explaining what’s inside the kits and how they can be used.

Thank you, Proviso West High School, for having us and partnering with us in supporting student wellness and emotional well-being.

Triton College Area Planning Council Community Resource Fair

Triton College had a community resource fair and invited other organizations to be a part of it. The fair created a space for students and community members to learn more about the different organizations. At our table, TFD gave out resources and additional information about any upcoming programming happening at The Firehouse Dream. We also talked about what TFD is about and how others can get involved with volunteering or being part of the workshops, while giving away mental health kits and fidget toys. We had the chance to connect with other organizations and learn more.

Mental Health Giveaway | Walther Christian Academy

We are excited to share that we had another giveaway of our Mental Health Kits at Walther Christian Academy. 74 Mental Health kits were given away, and the students were happy to look into their kits and see all the items. Other students came up asking about our programming, our workshops, and how they could get involved.

Thank you to Walther Christian Academy for having us and allowing us to give out more Mental Health Kits for the youth!

Volunteer Night | September 2025

Last night, during our Volunteer Night, we successfully packed 200 Mental Health Kits! We appreciate our volunteers who participated and were a part of it. We gathered all the items that were put inside the kits, as well as an additional new item. The Mental Health Kits now include a new design on our journals where you can do your check-ins, answer journal prompts, and more! These Mental Health Kits will be given away this month to the students of Proviso East High School on September 18th during lunch hours, in honor of Suicide Prevention Month.